Supplier Quality Engineer

Description

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that raw materials and externally supplied components meet company quality standards and customer requirements. This role works closely with suppliers, procurement, manufacturing, and quality teams to drive supplier performance, resolve quality issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives. The SQE plays a critical role in maintaining the quality of metals including high carbon steel, low carbon steel, copper, and aluminum used in manufacturing processes.

• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers through audits, capability assessments, and quality system reviews.
• Monitor supplier quality performance using metrics such as PPM, on-time delivery, and corrective action effectiveness.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with company standards and industry requirements.
• Lead supplier development activities to improve process capability, quality systems, and reliability.

• Establish inspection requirements for incoming metals and components including steel, copper, and aluminum materials.
• Work with receiving inspection and production teams to ensure material conformance.
• Review material certifications, mill test reports, and supplier documentation.

• Investigate supplier-related quality issues and nonconformances.
• Lead root cause analysis using tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, or DMAIC.
• Ensure effective supplier corrective actions are implemented and verified.
• Coordinate containment activities for suspect or nonconforming materials.

• Collaborate with suppliers to improve process control, defect reduction, and overall quality performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to supplier quality and material reliability.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies for critical suppliers or materials.

• Partner with purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to resolve supplier issues.
• Participate in new product introductions (NPI) and supplier selection.
• Support PPAP or similar supplier qualification processes when required.

• Maintain supplier quality records, audit reports, and corrective action documentation.
• Ensure supplier processes comply with company quality systems and applicable industry standards (ISO 9001 or similar).
• Assist in internal and external audits related to supplier quality.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years of experience in supplier quality, quality engineering, or manufacturing within metals, machining, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Experience with metallurgical testing or metal material specifications. Previous PPAP experience a plus.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Experience with ERP or quality management systems.
• Experience with quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, Control Plans, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Experience with 8D reporting and corrective action systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material certifications.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Occasional travel (5-15%) may be required to conduct supplier audits and development activities.

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or related ASQ certification.